DS Smith has activated a biomass boiler at its Rouen paper mill as part of a 90 million euro investment aimed at eliminating the use of use of coal and drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This infrastructure will enable the processing of nearly 94,000 tons of biomass per year, eliminating dependence on fossil fuels and moving toward Net Zero emissions targets.
Biomass boiler powered by local wastes
The biomass that will feed the boiler comes from industrial and municipal wood waste, such as discarded furniture and construction debris. construction debris. Some 70% of this waste comes from the Paris metropolitan area and the remaining 30% from Normandy.
In addition, by-products generated during paper production will be integrated. This strategy will prevent some 70,000 tons of wood from ending up in landfills each year.
Institutional support and public-private partnerships
The project was approved by the Regional Biomass Plan in 2022 and received a €15 million grant from the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME). The initiative is aligned with France’s Green Industry Law and the European Green Pact Industrial Plan. European Green Pact Industrial Plan. Its implementation required nine years of joint planning with local authorities and industrial partners.
The boiler will be operated by Engie Solutions and is expected to incorporate a steam turbine. steam turbine turbine to generate up to 10 MW of electricity. This breakthrough underscores the shared commitment to drive a low-carbon industry and demonstrates the potential of biomass as a scalable and sustainable energy source.
France, leader in infrastructure for the circular economy
The commissioning of the boiler reinforces France’s position as a benchmark in renewable energy thanks to its wood recycling infrastructure. wood recycling and stable regulatory frameworks since 2011. This environment has facilitated significant investments in clean energy.
DS Smith plans to replicate the Rouen model in other locations, demonstrating how waste recovery can meet industrial and environmental needs. The project represents a pragmatic energy transition model, complementary to solutions such as hydrogen and electrification.
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Source and photo: DS Smith
